Date: Mon, 13 Jan 97 12:57:09 EST
From: ngltf@ngltf.org
Subject: NGLTF Highlights Right Wing Hypocrisy in Postal Policy
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National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Tracey Conaty 202/332-6483 x3303
pager 800/757-6476 tconaty@ngltf.org
2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
http://www.ngltf.org
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POSTAL REGULATION CAUSES STIR;
HIGHLIGHTS RIGHT TO PRIVACY HYPOCRISY OF RELIGIOUS EXTREMISTS
Washington, D.C., January 13, 1997....Some anti-gay, right-wing political groups
are concerned that new U.S. Postal Service regulations will regulate employees'
off-duty conduct and have called on their members to contact the Postal Service
in protest. Such interpretation of the regulation is patently incorrect. While
no longer a federal agency, the Postal Inspection Service's action is one that
falls in line with actions taken by most federal Cabinet-level Departments in
making clear that discrimination on the job will not be tolerated. The
provision does not seek to regulate off duty conduct.
The regulations, which apply to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the
enforcement branch of the Postal Service are contained within a five page code
of conduct. Signed last November, the anti-discrimination provision prohibits
employees, acting in an official capacity, to directly or indirectly
discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnic origin, physical or mental
disability or sexual orientation. The regulation applies to the agency's 4,600
inspectors, police officers and support personnel who investigate crimes
committed through the mail.
"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to be commended for joining with
other federal, state and private employers who have adopted policies that
prohibit discriminatory practices by its employees," stated NGLTF executive
director Kerry Lobel. "State and local governments, as well as private
employers, throughout the country have adopted similar non-discrimination
policies which make clear that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation
by its employees is as onerous and unacceptable as other forms of
discrimination," added Lobel.
The provision does not state or imply that employees must accept
homosexuality or give up their rights to argue against pro-gay policies or
actions. "It is interesting to note how concerned the right wing extremists,
such as the American Family Association, are regarding the regulation of the
private conduct of these employees. Yet, they are among the first to want to
regulate the private lives of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered
individuals," Lobel pointed out.
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